More from Rugby Union

South Africa blitz New Zealand to lift the USA Sevens crown in Las Vegas

South Africa produced a stunning display to claim the USA Sevens title at the expense of series leaders New Zealand.

Last Updated: 11/02/13 4:33am

South Africa claim the USA Sevens title

The Blitzbokke, with playmaker Branco du Preez pulling the strings, ran in six tries and then held off a late New Zealand rally to win 40-21 in Las Vegas.

New Zealand had reached the final after 19-14 sudden death win over Fiji, while Seabelo Senatla scored the decisive try for South Africa as they edged out Samoa 12-7.

There was more drama in the third-place play-off as Samoa beat fellow islanders Fiji 36-31 after extra time.

Improvements

South Africa's win means that five different nations have now this season's events on the circuit this season.

However England, the winners' of the fourth leg in Wellington last time out, endured a miserable time - claiming just the solitary win over the course of the weekend. Kenya, who lost to England in the final in New Zealand, also left the tournament earlier.

Scotland continued their recent improvements, though, as they followed up their win over England in the pool stages with a 35-14 win over Wales in the Plate semi-finals. Unfortunately, for the second competition running, the Scots missed out on the silverware as this time Canada claimed the title courtesy of a 22-5 success.

France lifted the Bowl title with a 17-12 win over Argentina, with tries from Terry Brouhroua, Renaud Delmas and Vincent Deniau. The success capped a memorable weekend for Les Bleus after they had earlier registered their highest win over England in the Series (40-7).

Australia picked up the Shield after their 41-0 demolition of Uruguay.